Do You Know How To Build A Barrel Stove?
With a bit of nip and tuck using a few basic tools, an old oil drum can be transformed into a fantastic woodburning stove. Although the thin sheet metal used to make oil drums may not hold the heat as well as a stove built from an old gas canister, it does have a couple of positives: it is incredibly light and transportable and no specialized tools are required for construction. Its light weight makes it an ideal stove for temporary situations, such as a winter hunting camp. Because the firebox is elevated off the ground, it would also work in an ice fishing hut.
For more than six months, this very stove kept me nice and warm while I was living in my tree house. It also provided an excellent surface for cooking on at an ideal height and kept the kettle singing all day long!
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Directions
Drill a hole at the edge of the top of the drum (the end with the screw-on caps). Using a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade, cut around the edge of the drum and remove the “lid.” (This will eventually be bolted on the inside as the firebox floor; the open end of the barrel will be the bottom of the stove.) Remember, before making any cuts with the jigsaw, you will have to drill a hole to insert the jigsaw blade. Mark out any openings you will need to cut out using a thick black marker pen.
Move the barrel to an open area and make a small fire in the bottom to burn off any excess oil or residue still clinging to the insides (remember to stand well back). Once cooled, you can begin work.
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Be sure to test the stove outside a few times to ensure there are no weak points or cracks. Do ensure the draft works and draws the smoke out of the stovepipe without any escaping; remember the stove will be used indoors! The stove does give out a fair bit of heat, so make sure the floor and walls around it are fireproofed or are at least a good 12 inches away. To make the stove look presentable, you can give it a good scrub down with a wire brush and then spray it with black wood stove spray paint about three cans should cover it.
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Article source: Backwoods Home
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